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Brigham Young Cougars: 2007 vs. 2010 (Week 2)

Continuing the comparison of the 2007 Brigham Young Cougars and the 2010 team, here is how they stack up after two games.

2007: 1 win, 1 loss2010: 1 win, 1 lossOn paper, the win-loss records are the same. However, the feeling is very different. In 2007, BYU fell short in a comeback attempt against the then #13 UCLA Bruins. This year, BYU blew an early lead and turned in one of the worst overall performances in the Bronco Mendenhall era.

2007: Total yards-8272010: Total yards-717After a fairly even offensive output in game one, the 2007 team out gained the 2010 team by 126 yards in game two (435 to 309).

2007: Passing yards-6792010: Passing yards-350Max Hall threw for 391 yards and two touchdowns in game two, which is 41 yards more that BYU has through two games this season. In fact, the 2007 team was only 21 yards shy of doubling the 2010 pass production.

2007: Rushing yards-148 2010: Rushing yards-367 The one advantage that the 2010 team has on the 2007 team is rushing yards. J.J. Di Luigi broke the 100 yard mark in game two and has 172 yards on the season. That is 24 yards more than the entire 2007 team after two games. Riley Nelson, the second leading rusher this year, has 140 yards (8 yards less than the 2007 team).

2007: Tight end production-15 receptions, 213 yards, 1 TD2010: Tight end production-6 receptions, 90 yardsThe 2007 tight ends broke loose in game two, combining for 9 receptions and 147 yards. BYU 2010 needed that kind of a game from the tight ends on Saturday. Instead, all they got was a 13 yard catch by Mike Muehlmann.

The numbers speak for themselves. The different feeling in 2010 can be attributed to the lack of offense. In 2007, the team still had a robust offense after two games. Last Saturday, the 2010 offense appeared to be on life support. The top offensive priority has to be finding a passing game. BYU would be better off if Riley Nelson had 140 more passing yards, as opposed to 140 rushing yards to compliment his 204 passing yards. Effective tight ends will help, but they are not mandatory, if the receiving corps can step up. In the end, the good news is that Saturday was only one game. BYU 2010 still has the same record as BYU 2007. BYU 2010 has more work to do, but a good season is not out the window yet.

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